In early February 2014, PATH announced station closures and a line suspension on the weekend NWK-WTC line for nearly every weekend in 2014 with only 8 days notice. Residents of Essex, Hudson and nearby counties are effectively stranded, left with only the JSQ-33rd Street via Hoboken Line on weekends. PATH leaders must listen to their riders and find an alternative that does not cost passengers additional time or money.

In the month since this change went in effect, trains and stations have been overcrowded and tensions among passengers have been high. Although many residents are certain to change their plans and avoid travelling into New York during the affected weekends, many others who need to get to the city for work or school are left with no other options. PATH has made no attempt to offer a cost-neutral option to passengers who need to get to Lower Manhattan or maintain a high quality of service on the JSQ-33 line. Passengers who need to get to Lower Manhattan are forced to pay a separate, additional fare on the MTA subway and add time to their journey for the transfer. Further, at least twice during this period, that line has been subject to delays of at least 20 minutes for several hours, causing irrepairable damage on schedules. 

At a February 18th community meeting, PATH Director Stephen Kingsberry denied any responsibility to affected passengers and deflected all suggestions of cost-neutral alternative Hudson River crossings, including ferry service and bus service. Residents of Hudson and Essex County understand the safety and regulatory requirements that motivate the line suspension and station closures, but cannot be forced to bear the costs and burdens of these requirements alone. PATH must partner with us, the riders, to find an equitable solution that is (1) cost-neutral, (2) respectful of passengers' time and convenience, and (3) earns the fare increase planned for October 2014.